This partial closure would have it so the end of the alley begins where my property line ends, allowing people and vagrants to congregate at my garage opening. Although there are very few instances of vandalism or thefts, I strongly feel that giving a closure so far into the alley would give way for people traveling through the alley to become frustrated and be more likely to jump fences to cut through the rest of the alley.

The alley is well traveled, and even the applicant remarked to this fact when he cited that there are ruts in the alley from cars travelling through. A lot of people utilize this alley and it is very convenient for utility workers such as Bell, to come in and fix any issues. In regards to the applicant’s statement about debris, there are very few, if any, instances where any dumping or tossing of debris has been an issue.

I would like to conclude my written submission with the fact that the closure of the alley at five houses at the end of the alley seems absurd and a huge waste of time and effort by the applicant. To close such a small part of an alley that everyone uses, for one resident, is extremely self-serving and not very neighbourly.

I hope I have spoken with urgency and alarm, and have provided a sufficient argument to the attempted closure of our alley. I had called numerous times to the city regarding this issue when it first came to light with the petition. I am thankful for my chance to speak, albeit in email form, and thank the city for taking the time to listen. I really do appreciate it.

Sincerely,

Candis Cooke Development & Heritage Standing Committee April 14, 2020 Written submission